Michael Vaughan was in awe of England’s performance during their thrilling seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in the ICC World Twenty20 semi-finals.
The death bowling of Ben Stokes and Chris Jordan combined with the brilliance of opener Jason Roy, who smashed 78 off 44 balls, lead England to their first World T20 final since their tournament truimph in 2010.
The former England captain, writing in his cricket column for The Telegraph, labelled the achievement as “remarkable”, claiming their win was one for the ages.
“I have been watching England since the 1992 World Cup and I have not seen a performance in a big game as good as that,” Vaughan said.
Last nights performance was so good .. As good as it gets @englandcricket https://t.co/FArV9jyJUL @TelegraphSport #ICCWT20
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 31, 2016
“It is a joy to watch England play with skill, execute sensible tactical plans and bully the opposition.
“The way they beat New Zealand reminded me of Australia in their pomp.
“Matthew Hayden used to do what Jason Roy did for England. Hayden would whack you everywhere and put you out of a game before you had time to catch breath.
“It is a great atmosphere and for the first time in eight years since I retired I am jealous of this group of players.”
Vaughan was also credited England’s performances in the World T20 to Head Coach Trevor Bayliss as his cool and calm approach has had a telling effect on the players since his appointment last year.
England have gone from strength to strength during his tenure, recently claiming a Test series victory in South Africa and despite losing their opening game of the tournament, Vaughan feels that Bayliss’ influence has paid dividends.
“(Trevor) Bayliss is cool and calm,” Vaughan added.
“And only speaks when he needs to. He sits at the back of the dugout and probably hardly says well done to anybody.
“But the players know he is the leader and wants them to play in a certain way. It is coming through on the field now.
“They are brave and it looks like the majority of the side want to be the one who has to perform under pressure whether with bat, ball or taking a skier in the field. It is a wonderful enthusiastic culture to have when everyone wants to be that person.”
Source: ECB